Found on the Missouri Streets
Upon arrival at Midwest Animal ResQ, Little Buddy was just like any other stray, looking dirty but relatively healthy. The founding director, Erin Morse, shared that he was initially frightened but quickly won over the shelter’s volunteers and staff.
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Buddy was out and about, running around the cages and playing with other dogs. Even in a strange and foreign place, he felt some semblance of home.
Buddy Had Been Missing for Six Years
Little did the shelter know at the time that Buddy had a well-kept secret that no one knew. He had been on his own for a total of six years.
Source: wane.com
Considering his size and circumstances, it was impressive that he survived for this long. While many dogs are fortunate enough to find their way back home or be rescued by kind strangers, other missing dogs rely on their instincts and survival skills.
Upon Arriving At the Shelter, It Was Clear He Was Friendly
As soon as Little Buddy arrived at the shelter, he didn’t show any signs of fear toward the shelter staff and was quick to establish emotional connections with everyone. He became known around the shelter for his sociable and outgoing personality.
Source: nbc4i.com
He was very eager to meet new people and interact with other animals. It was clear to them that he likely once made a great companion to his owner.
Animal Control Offers Found Out He Was Microchipped
Before reaching Midwest Animal ResQ, the shelter heard from the officers that found him that Little Buddy had a microchip. This tiny electronic device contained a unique identifier linked to the dog’s owner’s contact information in a database.
Source: pethealthnetwork.com
The shelter began sending alert notifications to the contact details associated with the chip. However, for many years, the notifications went unanswered. Luckily, the shelter was not in the business of giving up.
The Owners Thought the Emails Were Scams
According to Morse, the owners initially suspected the alerts they received through email were fraudulent since a significant amount of time had elapsed. Missing dog email scams are quite common, and people will attempt to exploit the emotional distress of pet owners who have lost their dogs.
Source: wane.com
Scammers may send emails claiming to have found the missing dog, asking for money or personal information in exchange for its return. However, after contacting the owner via telephone to inform them that little Buddy had been found, they were ecstatic.
When He Originally Went Missing, the Owners Tried Everything
Buddy’s dad adopted him from a local rescue organization back in 2017. He had been residing with his owner in Springfield, Missouri before he went missing. At the time, the family was desperately trying to find him.
Source: carerescue.org
Local news outlet KMBC reported that despite his owner’s efforts to locate him by putting up photo fliers and searching the surrounding area, Little Buddy remained unfound. Unfortunately, even though he was microchipped, no one came forward with information.
His Dad Was In Shock When He Was Found
Upon receiving that wondrous call from Midwest Animal ResQ, Little Buddy’s owner wasted no time and drove four hours straight to see his beloved pet. As most pet owners know, the joy and beauty of finding a lost pet cannot be overstated.
Source: wane.com
When they finally saw each other, it was as if they had never been apart. Their connection remained strong, even after six years had passed.
Buddy Was Very Excited to See His Dad
Morse noted that when Little Buddy was reunited with his owner, the dog rushed straight toward him with an excited wagging tail. He knew this was his dad!
Source: dogtagart.com
The second Little Buddy got a whiff of his owner’s scent and heard his voice, he began showering him with affectionate licks to the face. It was such an incredibly heartwarming sight that it nearly brought tears to the entire staff.
This Wasn’t an Experience Midwest Animal ResQ Was Used To
The staff at the animal rescue cherished the opportunity to be involved in such a heartwarming event, as it was a very rare occurrence for them. However, many animal shelters have similar experiences every day.
Source: midwestanimalrescue.org
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 710,000 lost dogs are returned to their owners every year in the United States. Animal shelters play a crucial role in reuniting lost dogs with their families.
They Felt Touched by the Warm Reunion
Morse expressed her heartwarming sentiments regarding the reunion, emphasizing how it touched everyone’s hearts to witness the bond between Little Buddy and his owner. They were glad he had never lost hope of finding his beloved pet.
Source: wane.com
She also noted how Buddy’s dad’s passion for animal adoption and microchipping made the reunion even more gratifying. The whole event felt surreal and almost unbelievable experience, making it all the more special.
It Was a Lesson To Never Give Up Hope
For those who have lost their furry companions, Morse believes that Little Buddy’s tale serves as a beacon of hope and a testament. Even after years of a pet going missing, the possibility of reuniting with them is still out there.
Source: elisfriends.org
She encourages pet owners not to lose hope and to continue searching, as their lost dogs may one day be found. All it takes is a little bit of patience and perseverance.
The Event Was Also a Good Lesson for Other Dog Owners about Microchipping
According to Morse, Little Buddy’s story also highlights the significance of microchipping pets. It’s equally important to keep the associated contact information current, regardless of how long the pet has been missing.
Source: msah.com
This is one of the few ways that lost pets are reunited with their owners in a timely manner. Otherwise, it can be very difficult for shelters to find owners, especially after many years of a dog being missing.
Dog Microchips Have Become Invaluable Tools Over the Past Decade
Microchipping has become an essential and affordable way to ensure a dog can be identified if lost or stolen. Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off, a microchip is a permanent form of identification that can’t be lost or damaged.
Source: worldanimalfoundation.org
In the unfortunate event that your dog is lost, a microchip can significantly increase the chances of a reunion like Buddy’s. Of course, it’s important to note that having a microchip does not replace the need for a collar and identification tags.
Keeping Contact Information Up to Date Is Crucial
One of the most important aspects of microchipping is ensuring that the contact information linked to the device is current and up to date. If you move or change your phone number, you must update your information in the database immediately to ensure that you can be reached in the event your dog is found.
Source: petkeen.com
So many owners neglect to update the contact information associated with the microchip, which can result in delays or even the inability to locate them. Stay up to date to be as safe as possible.
And, Of Course, Donate to Your Local Dog Shelter If You Can
Donating to dog shelters is essential, as these organizations mostly rely on donations to provide critical care, support, and services for dogs in their care, like Buddy. Donations can help cover the costs of food, shelter, medical care, and training programs.
Source: petfoodindustry.com
Additionally, animal shelters often require funds to maintain their facilities and to support their staff in providing quality care to the dogs. If you wish to support other dogs in need, you can contribute to Midwest Animal ResQ.